Stony Brook, N.Y. -
Happy New Year and welcome to the first installment of the 2011 season Coach's Corner - a monthly newsletter to keep you informed and up to date on all things Stony Brook Tennis.

Even though the season doesn't start for a few more weeks - we have been very busy getting prepared for what will be our toughest schedule yet. This spring will find us playing several nationally ranked programs. Click Here for the women's schedule. Click Here for the men's schedule.

The 5th Annual Seawolves Family FunFest is right around the corner. This year's event will take place on Saturday March 19, 2011 at Eastern Athletic Club in Blue Point. As somebody who is not prone to hyperbole - I must say that this year's FunFest is going to be the biggest and best one yet. I'm literally talking about plane trips, merchandise, dinners, etc... In fact, we are going to offer so many fabulous gifts and prizes that even Pat and Vanna would blush. Please be sure to get your registration in early and save a cool $15. You can parlay that savings into more chances to win. Don't hesitate to bring some friends and spread the word. Click Here for the FunFest brochure.

Gayatri Krishnan is one of two seniors on this year's squad and she hails from Chennia, India. Last year she had a dual match record of 9-4 and played mainly at #6 singles. Gayatri is a Business Management/Economics double major and the quintessential student-athlete. If you don't see her name on the Dean's List each and every semester - then it must be a misprint! She will be looked to as one of our team leaders this season - on and off the court. In her spare time Gayatri relaxes by amassing one of the largest butterfly collections in all of India and listens to the great 19th century composer - Felix Mendelssohn.

Ryan Schmitz is a freshman from Scotia, NY. It's been quite a transition for this young man to go from high school to college tennis. However, Ryan has embraced the challenge and is looking forward to a breakout spring campaign. He is a team player and really enjoys that aspect of college tennis. As an aspiring Business major - Ryan enjoys debating the merits of monetary policy and he will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of quantitative easing. As a word of advice - just don't get him started on the difference between the Debt and the Deficit!!

This spring - please come out to support Gayatri, Ryan and all of your Seawolves!

At this time I would like to send hearty congratulations to James Carpenter '05 on his recent nuptials with Alison Leiderman. The happy couple resides in Manhattan and they had a beautiful wedding. Mazel Tov to the Carpenters!

Before we get to our next team feature it's important to discuss the new and improved way to make a PAWS donation. Many of you have already made significant contributions to the tennis program, and I am personally grateful for all of your support. For those that have not been able to donate - the time is now. Even though the holidays are over - it is still better to give than receive. Not to mention the fact that we send a hat or shirt for each donation - no matter the denomination. However, please keep in mind that the more you give the more NIKE you get! It has never been easier to give back to Stony Brook Tennis. Simply click here and where it says "Designation" scroll down to Tennis Fund for Excellence. No Post Office, no stamps, no hassle!

Lastly, it's time for Seawolves Tennis Trivia. Last month's winner was Merri Lafitte of East Setauket, NY. Merri was the first one to correctly identify Janet Travis '80 as the first tennis player to be inducted into the Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame. Janet was actually a multi-sport athlete who was inducted in 1993. We would have also accepted Bruno Barbera '95. Bruno was inducted in 2002 and was the first men's tennis player to receive the honor. This month's question is: Name the all-time leader in combined wins (singles and doubles)?? The first person to correctly answer will receive a piece of apparel of their choice - shirt, hat, visor, etc... Please email me with your answers at Gary.Glassman@StonyBrook.edu.

If you know of any teammates/supporters that would like to receive the Coach's Corner - please feel free to send me their email address. Also, feel free to pass along any news or updates. It's always great to hear from Seawolves past and present.

Take care and I look forward to seeing you on the other side of the net!